Exploring hydrophobicity and biocompatibility in fabricating advanced biomimetic materials inspired by avian feathers: A review

Study of biological surfaces has led to remarkable advancements in biomimicry and material science. The lotus leaf has long been considered a classic model in the natural world for water repellency, and recent research has even discovered the hydrophobic properties of Avian feathers. Feather microstructures have exceptional water resistance due to their hierarchical micro- and nanoscale structural arrangements, along with specialized surface chemistry. Due to these factors, it doesn’t just minimize water adhesion but also enables properties like anti-fouling and self-cleaning, making feather-inspired materials a promising avenue for biomimetic innovation. Quantification and analysis of hydrophobicity are done using various experimental techniques, such as contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and oil immersion tests. These tests help in understanding the science behind wettability in feather surfaces, which in turn has been used in the creation and exploration of advanced materials. The development of bioinspired materials based on feather structures has gained traction in recent years, with an increasing focus on their biocompatibility, durability, and functional versatility across multiple industries and applications. Despite these advancements, research gaps still exist, especially in replicating the complex structures and chemical properties of feathers in a scalable, economically feasible, and environmentally sustainable manner. This review aims to analyse the available literature on feather-inspired hydrophobic properties and current efforts in replicating it onto materials, by bibliometric analysis and identifying areas requiring further investigation, such that it ultimately contributes to the advancement of water-repellent surface engineering.